How to Reportan Etsy Listing
To report an Etsy listing: Open the listing page → click the flag icon or three-dot menu (⋮) → select "Report this item" → choose a violation category → add details → submit. Etsy reviews within 24-72 hours.
Why Report an Etsy Listing?
Reporting helps maintain marketplace integrity. Valid reasons to report include:
Counterfeit products
Fake branded items (knockoff designer goods, fake electronics)
Intellectual property theft
Stolen designs, copied artwork, trademark violations
Prohibited items
Weapons, drugs, hazardous materials, recalled products
Misleading listings
False descriptions, deceptive photos, bait-and-switch
Adult content violations
Inappropriate content not properly flagged
Reselling without permission
Mass-produced items sold as handmade
Report Categories Explained
| Category | When to Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|
©️Intellectual Property | Someone is using copyrighted/trademarked content without permission | Stolen artwork, Copied designs, Fake brand logos |
🏷️Counterfeit Goods | Fake versions of genuine branded products | Knockoff designer bags, Fake electronics |
🚫Prohibited Items | Items that violate Etsy's prohibited list | Weapons, Drugs, Hazardous materials |
🏭Handmade Violations | Mass-produced items falsely labeled handmade | Factory-made items sold as handcrafted |
📅Vintage Violations | Items less than 20 years old sold as vintage | Modern items mislabeled as vintage |
⚠️Misleading Listings | Deceptive titles, descriptions, or photos | Stock photos instead of actual product |
🔞Adult Content | Mature content not properly tagged | Inappropriate items in general listings |
How to Report on Desktop
Navigate to the Listing
Find the specific listing you want to report. Make sure you're on the actual listing page (not search results).
Tip: Bookmark or screenshot the listing URL before reporting
Locate the Report Option
Look for the flag icon below the listing photos, or click the three-dot menu (⋮) near the top-right of the listing.
Tip: The flag icon is usually near the favorite/heart button
Select "Report This Item"
Click "Report this item" from the dropdown menu. This opens Etsy's reporting form.
Tip: If you don't see the option, try refreshing the page
Choose a Violation Category
Select the category that best matches the issue: IP concern, prohibited items, handmade violations, or other.
Tip: Choose the most specific category for faster review
Provide Details
Add specific information about why you're reporting: what policy is violated, how you know, and any evidence.
Tip: Include links to original work if reporting IP theft
Submit Your Report
Review your report and click Submit. You'll see a confirmation message.
Tip: Save the confirmation for your records
How to Report on the Etsy Mobile App
Open the Listing
In the Etsy app, tap on the listing you want to report.
Tap the Three-Dot Menu
In the top-right corner of the listing page, tap the three vertical dots (⋮).
Select "Report This Item"
Tap "Report this item" from the menu options.
Choose a Reason
Select from the same categories available on desktop.
Add Details and Submit
Provide specifics and tap Submit.
Report vs. Opening a Case
| Situation | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| You bought something that didn't arrive | Open a Case (Help → Your Orders) |
| Item received doesn't match description | Open a Case first |
| Someone stole your copyrighted work | File IP Report at etsy.com/legal/ip |
| Listing violates Etsy policies | Report the Listing |
| Seller harassed you in messages | Report the Shop |
| You suspect a scam shop | Report the Shop |
What Happens After You Report?
Report Received
Automated confirmation
Initial Review
24-48 hours triage
Investigation
Deeper review
Action Taken
Warning/removal/suspension
Outcome
Privacy prevents notification
Timeline for Report Review
Reporting Intellectual Property Theft
If someone is using your original work without permission, use Etsy's formal IP reporting process:
Go to etsy.com/legal/ip
Complete the intellectual property infringement form
Provide your contact information, description of your original work, links to infringing listings, and links to your original work as proof
Add a good faith statement
Submit the DMCA takedown request
Note: This formal process has more weight than a general report and initiates the official DMCA procedure.
Do's and Don'ts
✅ Do's
- Report only genuine policy violations
- Provide specific details and evidence
- Use the IP form for copyright/trademark issues
- Report each infringing listing separately if multiple
- Take screenshots as evidence before reporting
- Be patient—reviews take time
- Open a case for transaction problems first
- Check Etsy's policies to confirm violation
❌ Don'ts
- Don't file false or vindictive reports
- Don't report competitors without valid reasons
- Don't expect immediate responses
- Don't report slow shipping (open a case instead)
- Don't share report details publicly
- Don't repeatedly report the same listing
- Don't use reporting as a competitive tactic
- Don't expect to know the outcome (privacy rules)
Etsy Report Stats
24-72hrs
Review Time (Serious)
Anonymous
Your Identity Protected
5+
Report Categories
Global
Trust & Safety Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about reporting Etsy listings.
This guide provides general information about reporting Etsy listings. For official policies and procedures, always refer to Etsy's Help Center at help.etsy.com. Etsy's policies may change—check for current guidelines before filing reports.
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